Well, its happened, K-Line is now no more. Lionel has sued them for using the same patent on something or other. Lionel won the fight, and now K-Line is now being told to close thier doors. Bad news, but thought you all should know.
Well, the only thing I can say at this time is that the website will not be updated, so thats going to be a clue later on. But they have infact shut down. You can try calling them, but I highly doubt they ill pick up.
Guys, Here's a link to the article on the Kalmbach Classis Toy Trains site: http://www.trains.com/Content/Dynamic/Articles/000/000/006/122dotpe.asp 2slim
That page has me wondering- What did K-Line state, that caused Lionel to return to court? Sounds rather messy. Boxcab E50
I read Lionel's original press release about the settlement and K-Line's release. They were night and day. K-line's release didn't really seem that concerned and it was pretty much business at usual. Lionel went back and got a new order preventing K-line from selling the affected pieces. K-line filed Chapter 11 which should still allow them to operate. I haven't heard any more drastic steps like full closure/liquidation (chapter 7). Hobbyists are the ones that will take it in the shorts especially the ones in K-Lines' Collector Club who paid a year ago for a locomotive that probably won't be delivered. Dealers will also be impacted because of lost preorders and payments for items not recieved. Peter
K-Line is still in business. They are still answering the phones and e mails. I received their K-Lines News e mail on September 22nd. What has been affected is the cruse control system that Lionel has stopped the use of. The basic engines will still be sold and are in fact coming across the ocean for delivery. I wouldn't count K-Line down and out just yet. Greg